Description
Flavorful Spring Orzo Pasta Salad is a light and vibrant pasta salad featuring tender orzo, fresh spring vegetables, herbs, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, lunches, or a colorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup asparagus, blanched and chopped
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook orzo: Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare vegetables: Blanch asparagus and peas (if using fresh) for 1–2 minutes. Drain and cool.
- Mix salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, red onion, parsley, and basil.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and serve: Pour dressing over salad and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with feta cheese if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. Swap in arugula or spinach for extra greens. Make ahead and chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad / Pasta Salad
- Method: Stovetop / Cold Salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Spring
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: spring orzo salad, pasta salad, vegetable pasta salad, lemon vinaigrette
